|
Washington Redskins By: Lester Updated 4/22/99 Previous Reports: 3/14/99 News on the Ownership The potential new ownership, comprised of brothers Howard and Edward Milstein and Daniel Snyder, were turned down by the NFL to purchase the Redskins. So, the bidding is reopened. In the meantime, John Cooke will run the team. Casserly and Turner will continue to call the shots. Latest News on Free Agency The Redskins signed DB Sam Shade from Cincinnati, S Leomont Evans, OT Kipp Vickers, C Cory Raymer, OL Rod Milstead, OL Keith Simms, QB Casey Weldon, DE Ndukwe Kalu, WR Kevin Alexander, and CB Raphael Ball. Since we last spoke, they have lost WR Leslie Shepherd to the Cleveland Browns and TE Jamie Asher to the Philadelphia Eagles. They also released S Jesse Campbell, DB Chris Dishman and RB Terry Allen. The Draft Washington's main needs where a pass rushing DE; an offensive left tackle and a CB. They had the 5th overall pick (from Carolina). It was rumored that the Redskins were interested in moving up to the second pick to try and acquire RB Ricky Williams. Well, on draft day, they had a chance to get him with the 5th pick. The Redskins feel comfortable with RB Skip Hicks and RB Stephan Davis, therefore, they elected to trade this pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for all 8 of the Mike Ditka's draft picks. This dropped the Skins down to the 13th overall pick. Well, just as quickly as they dropped to the 13th overall pick, Casserly made another trade with the Chicago Bears, which moved them back up to the 7th overall pick. With this pick, they were still able to select the player they wanted in Georgia CB/WR Roland "Champ" Bailey. Bailey is 5'11'' 184lbs and can play CB or WR. Darrell Green will be his on field coach. I said their first pick needed to be as good as gold. Well, the Champ is as good as gold. With their 2nd round pick, the Redskins addressed their need for an offensive tackle. They drafted Michigan OL Jon Jansen. Jasen is 6'6'' 307lbs. He is better suited to play right tackle or guard. The Redskins want him to play tackle. In the 4th round, they selected LB Nate Stimson from Georgia Tech. Stimson is 6'1'' 260lbs and runs a 4.7. He is considered a DL-LB tweener. As far as the Redskins are concerned, he can fill their need as a pass rushing DE. In the 5th round, they selected another OL in Virginia Tech Derek Smith. Smith is 6'6'' 310lbs. He is also another OL that will probably have to play right tackle. He looks quicker and more athletic because he is well coached. In the 6th round, they selected K Jeff Hall from Tennessee. He has been Tennessee's kicker since his freshman year. He was rated as one of the top 3 kickers in the country. With their final selection, the Redskins selected 5'10'' 185lb Oregon State WR Tim Alexander. He fits the mold of the departed Leslie Shepherd, who is 5'11'' 186lbs. Alexander was selected to provide some depth behind Michael Westbrooks and Albert Connell. Draft Grade I give the Washington Redskins a (A+). The Redskins did an excellent job in maneuvering to get extra picks for this year and next, but at the same time, got the man they wanted with their first pick. Also, they selected a player that could help them immediately. Bailey, Jansen and Stimson could all come in and start on opening week. And remember, the Redskins put themselves in a great position for next year's draft by picking up all those picks from the New Orleans Saints.
|